When we started our business,
Admiral Road Designs, in 2002, we had three goals. First, we wanted to put our business education and experience to use and contribute financially to our households. Second, we wanted to be available to our families but we also wanted to remain engaged in the workforce. Third, we wanted to grow a business that would be ready to take off when our kids were.
It was incredibly helpful to know what we were hoping to achieve. There were many days in poorly heated basements – taking care of the taxes, the garbage, customer issues, etc. when we asked ourselves what we were doing. Each time, we came back to our goals and knew that we were meeting them. Even through the tougher times, we were consistently able to check back in with ourselves and know that we were on track.
Admiral Road was a wonderful, rewarding experience. We had some truly great accomplishments. We were covered in InStyle magazine and on NBC’s The Today Show. An Admiral Road blanket even made it to prime time in last season’s
Parenthood on NBC. We got to interact with celebrities — from personal notes from Julia Roberts, Sarah McLachlan and others to ongoing customer relationships with celebrity customers. We even got to meet Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Essex and present them with a custom blanket for their daughter Lady Louise. More importantly, we made the ‘lovey’ blankets that thousands of children dearly valued. We heard stories of children standing crying at the washing machine until their beloved blanket was cleaned and returned to them. We were the signature, easy gift for our loyal, wonderful customers. In short, we made and sold a feel-good product and we felt good about it.
What’s more, we got to write a book about our experiences, in which we were able to include the stories of hundreds of other amazing mompreneurs. Our book,
Mom Inc. — How to Raise your Family and your Business without Losing your Mind or your Shirt — gave us the incredible opportunity to meet so many entrepreneurs and create lasting relationships.
Eleven years, five kids, and many, many thousands of blankets later we’ve sold our first baby. It was a wonderful ride, and we’re thrilled that another mompreneur is leading Admiral Road into its next phase. We hope her ride is as fruitful as ours has been. What’s next for us? As BFFs of more than 20 years, it’s only natural that we’re staying together in our next job. And we’ll tell you all about it in a coming post!
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